Helical Pier Installation in Davenport, IA

When it comes to stabilizing failing foundations, homeowners and property managers in Davenport need solutions that work the first time. At Tomlinson Cannon, we’ve been protecting Eastern Iowa homes and buildings since 1948. That experience matters, because when you’re dealing with a sinking or shifting foundation, there’s no room for guesswork.

Helical piers offer one of the most reliable, low-disturbance ways to lift, stabilize, or reinforce your structure’s foundation. Our team provides expert helical pier installation throughout Davenport and the surrounding communities, delivering long-lasting results with the same integrity, skill, and straightforward service we’re known for across generations.

Whether you’re noticing cracking walls, uneven floors, bowing basement walls, or new construction that requires a dependable support system, our helical pier solutions provide the strength your property needs from the ground up.

What Are Helical Piers?

Also called helical piles or screw piles, these steel shafts have helical plates welded near the tip. Installed deep into stable soil, they transfer the weight of your structure to load-bearing strata far below the surface.

Instead of relying on shallow concrete footings, helical piers anchor your foundation into dependable ground. They’re ideal for both repairing failing foundations and establishing strong support for new construction, decks, additions, porches, and more.

Tomlinson Cannon installs only engineered, high-quality helical pier systems designed for long-term performance in Iowa’s soil conditions. We use hydraulic equipment to advance the pier shafts until they reach the torque needed to support the structure, ensuring accuracy, reliability, and verified load capacity.

Why Davenport Homes and Buildings Need Helical Piers

Davenport’s soil profile varies dramatically between riverfront silt, clay layers, and sandy pockets. Those conditions create an environment where poorly supported foundations can shift, settle, or heave – especially during freeze-thaw cycles or periods of heavy moisture.

Helical piers are ideal for the Davenport area because they:

• Reach stable, deep soil layers unaffected by seasonal movement
• Install quickly with minimal disturbance to landscaping
• Provide immediate load-bearing support
• Offer reliable lifting capability for sunken foundation sections
• Reduce risk of future settlement

Whether your foundation problems stem from expansive clay, poor drainage, construction on fill material, or general soil instability, our helical pier systems are engineered to stop the movement and secure your structure permanently.

Our Helical Pier Installation Process

At Tomlinson Cannon, we follow a clear, tested, and consistent process that delivers dependable results every time.

1. Comprehensive Foundation Evaluation

We start with a full assessment of your property. This includes checking interior and exterior walls, measuring settlement, analyzing soil conditions, and determining the root cause of your foundation movement. Our evaluations are straightforward – no scare tactics, just honest findings from experts who’ve been doing this for decades.

2. Engineering and Planning

Once we determine the extent of settlement, we calculate pier placement, depth, and load requirements. Every project is planned with precision to ensure long-term stability.

3. Site Preparation

We excavate small access points along the foundation. This disturbance is minimal compared to traditional foundation repair methods, keeping your yard largely intact.

4. Installing the Piers

Using hydraulic equipment, we advance the steel shafts deep into the soil until they reach a specific torque that indicates solid load-bearing strata. These measurements guarantee the pier is ready to support the weight of your structure.

5. Lifting and Securing the Foundation

As needed, our team carefully lifts settled areas of the foundation back toward their original position. Once in place, we secure the piers with heavy-duty brackets.

6. Backfill and Final Cleanup

We backfill all excavated areas and restore the site. Our goal is to leave your property stable, secure, and looking as it did before the work – only stronger.

When You Should Consider Helical Piers

You may need helical piers if you notice:

• Cracks in foundation walls or basement floors
• Stair-step cracks in exterior brick
• Doors and windows sticking or not closing properly
• Sloping floors
• Gaps between walls and ceilings
• Bowing or leaning walls
• Visible settling around the foundation perimeter

If you’re adding a room, deck, or garage, helical piers provide a dependable support system that prevents future foundation issues from the start.

Helical Piers in New Construction

Helical piers aren’t just for repairs. They’re an excellent choice for new buildings in Davenport, especially where soil conditions are unpredictable. Because they install quickly and support weight immediately, construction can continue without delays associated with curing concrete footings.

We regularly install helical piers for:

• Room additions
• Decks and porches
• Pole barns
• Light commercial structures
• Garages
• Elevated walkways
• Solar panel arrays

If you’re building in an area with soft or questionable soil, helical piers offer peace of mind that your investment is supported for the long haul.

FAQ: Advantages and Disadvantages of Helical Piers

Below you’ll find answers to common questions homeowners and builders often ask about helical pier systems, especially how they compare to traditional poured footings.

What are the advantages of helical piers over poured concrete footings?

First of all, helical piers can bear weight right after installation. Concrete footings must cure for days before they’re structurally reliable.

Secondly, they perform well in poor soil. If shallow soil is unstable, wet, or prone to shifting, concrete footings may settle or fail. Helical piers bypass these upper layers and anchor into deeper, stable soil or bedrock.

Further, helical pier installation requires far less digging, meaning less yard damage, reduced labor, and no need for large machinery or concrete trucks. And while concrete footings cannot be poured effectively during freeze-thaw cycles or heavy rains, helical piers install cleanly in nearly all weather conditions, making them ideal for Iowa’s climate.

Finally, helical piers are fully reversible and adjustable – they can be removed or added to in the future if conditions change. Concrete footings are permanent once poured and difficult to modify.

What are the downsides of helical piers compared to poured footings?

Helical piers involve higher material costs. While labor is often lower, the steel materials themselves cost more than concrete. However, the long-term performance often outweighs this difference.

Also, helical piers are less than ideal in extremely rocky soil. If the ground is full of large, dense rocks, installation can be more difficult. Poured footings may be easier in rare cases where soil is already exceptionally stable.

It should also be said that helical pier installation requires specialized equipment and skill. While many contractors can pour concrete, helical piers must be installed by trained experts with proper hydraulic gear. That’s why choosing a company with decades in foundation repair is important.

Are helical piers permanent?

Yes. When properly installed, helical piers offer a permanent, maintenance-free solution. They are corrosion-resistant, engineered to withstand heavy loads, and designed to stabilize the foundation for the life of the structure.

Will helical piers fix my foundation settlement?

In most cases, yes. Helical piers not only stop further settlement, they can often lift a sunken portion of the foundation back toward its original position. After installation, the load is transferred to deep, reliable soil layers, eliminating the cause of movement.

Why Choose Tomlinson Cannon for Helical Pier Installation in Davenport?

For more than 75 years, we’ve protected Eastern Iowa homes with proven, reliable solutions. When you work with Tomlinson Cannon, you get:

• A team with decades of hands-on foundation repair experience
• Honest evaluations and clear recommendations
• Long-term solutions designed to protect your home or building
• Installation that meets or exceeds industry standards
• Local professionals who understand Davenport’s soil and climate

We don’t look for shortcuts – we look for the right fix. We stand behind every job with integrity, craftsmanship, and pride.

Strengthen Your Foundation With a Trusted Local Expert

If you’re seeing signs of foundation settlement or planning new construction in Davenport, Tomlinson Cannon can help. Our helical pier installation provides dependable, engineered support that lasts for generations.

Protect your home from the foundation up.

Contact Tomlinson Cannon today for an evaluation and trusted guidance backed by over 75 years of experience.